Emaar Properties, the Dubai-based global property developer with a significant presence in 36 markets, has unveiled the Armani Residences, a luxury collection of homes in Burj Dubai, the tallest building in the world. Designed by Giorgio Armani, one of the world’s fashion icons, the 144 private residences offer a unique lifestyle experience.

Located on levels 9 to 16 of Burj Dubai, the Armani Residences complement the Armani Hotel Dubai – one of the first to be opened as part of the collaboration between Emaar and Giorgio Armani S.p.A – also to be situated in the iconic tower. Several Armani Hotels and Armani Residences are being planned in the world’s most prominent international cities.

In the run-up to the unveiling of the Armani Residences, Emaar hosted several road-shows in major cities including London, Moscow, Milan, New Delhi and Riyadh. International investor response to the Armani Residences has been strong with the opening of a dedicated sales centre within the Burj Dubai Sales Centre in Dubai.

Mohamed Ali Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties, said: “The enthusiastic response to Armani Residences from around the world is a confirmation of Dubai’s growing stature as a destination of choice for discerning home-buyers. In addition to the economic and cultural attractions offered by Dubai, Armani Residences offer several added dimensions of exclusivity for residents.”

He added: “The Armani Residences will provide a complete lifestyle experience. Apart from being the first residential design by Giorgio Armani, these homes have the unique appeal of being located within Burj Dubai, an iconic tower that truly represents individuality.”

Giorgio Armani has lent his personal touch to each residence, conveying a sense of privacy and intimacy through the use of sophisticated colours, fabric, shapes and materials. “My objective has been to create personalised living environments, where the emphasis is placed on comfort, simplicity and elegance. Burj Dubai is a remarkable architectural achievement and provides the perfect setting for my first Armani Residences,” said Giorgio Armani.

He added, “The Armani Hotel Dubai will be wonderfully complemented by these Residences, when it opens its doors in 2008 and together will represent the first destinations of many others to come, as we bring to life the vision of a unique worldwide collection of luxury Armani hotels, resorts and residences.”

Giorgio Armani has been personally involved in every design detail for the new Armani Residences, which are highlighted by welcoming, harmonious spaces and sophisticated furnishings. The one- and two-bedroom luxury residential suites range in size from 99 sq m (1,068 sq ft) to 208 sq m (2,237 sq ft), and are decorated with an exclusive range of Armani/Casa home furnishings. Clean lines, practicality and elegance are the cornerstones of the Armani/Casa collection with the materials and finishes chosen to include stone, zebrawood, Venetian plaster, fabric and leather wall coverings.

The homes with panels and rounded partitions to provide a new definition of space, feature spacious bedrooms that have luxuriously appointed bathrooms. Every detail is carefully considered and each element plays a precise role in the overall harmony of the environment. Highlighting smart-home technology, the residences have fully automated systems for security, temperature and drapery control, lighting, and air-conditioning.

The Armani Hotel Dubai will have 160 rooms and will offer the ultimate in hospitality standards. Residents at the Armani Residences can also enjoy the amenities offered by the hotel including concierge, 24-hour room service and housekeeping, access to facilities including a library, spa, gymnasium and swimming pool. They will also be able to take advantage of the lifestyle amenities within Burj Dubai including 15,000 sq ft of fitness facilities, four luxurious swimming pools, spa and cigar club.

Each floor of the Armani Residences has its own elevator access and front entrance lobby, assuring privacy and ease of access to residents. Full-glass panoramic windows provide spell-binding views across Downtown Burj Dubai, the AED 73 billion (US$20 billion) master-development that has Burj Dubai at its centre.

“The Armani Residences is not just another home in an iconic location. When buying an Armani Residence, one enters the Armani universe – marked by style, elegance and individuality,” said Marc Dardenne, Chief Executive Officer, Armani Hotels & Resorts LLC.

Burj Dubai is a mixed-use tower that also features commercial offices, serviced apartments and leisure amenities. Scheduled for completion in late 2008, it will be a perfect complement to the vast array of lifestyle options within Downtown Burj Dubai that features The Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destinations; the Burj Dubai Boulevard, and several residential and hospitality projects.